Intriguing Combination of Size, Skill and Mobility

Besides Alexander Nylander, there are not many high-end Swedish prospects in this Swedish draft class. However, there is a deep Swedish pool of projected second or third-rounders. One of those guys is big defenceman Jacob Moverare from HV 71. His matured overall game has given him the chance to play in his first four professional games in the Swedish Hockey League.

From behind center ice, SWE Jacob Moverare flaunts agility and footwork on his way to scoring the GWG vs. LAT.

The thing that stands out the most to me when evaluating Moverare is his intriguing combination of size, skill and mobility. He is not only very mobile on his skates, he is also possessing smooth hands and can stick-handle the puck very well. He is a calm puck carrier and can move the puck smoothly and often uses a toe-drag to buy himself time when under pressure by fore-checkers. Moverare is a decent three-zone-player as he works efficient at both ends of the ice and can be used in both special team units.

Especially on the powerplay, Moverare is a dangerous shooter from the blue line. He possesses a powerful shot from the point and uses all of his shot arsenal. He shows good timing when he uses his heavy shot and is excellent on one-timers.

NHL Draft Projection:

Moverare will likely be selected in the second or third round. He is the best available Swedish defenceman at this draft next to HV71 team colleague Jacob Cederholm. Because of his skills, size and skating I could imagine that he slips into the late second round.

Quotables:

Swedish defender with good size, footwork, and stick. He doesn’t wow you with high offensive attack skills, but nonetheless is a very smart and responsible defenseman. He is an excellent backward skater with good physical package. A rangy defender who maintains his gaps and seems to make good decisions on when to attack the puck carrier and when to back off. His big stick gets in the passing lane and displays smart body placement in his end. He can take or receive a puck and quick change direction and transition the puck up-ice. He skating motions a bit stiff laterally, but there’s nor denying he can quickly get where he wants. He walks the blue line on the PP attack. Has a strong point shot but it’s accuracy and placement are areas for improvement. Simply doesn’t seem to have the head to help contribute much as an attacker. A prospect you let develop his feet and attack skills, but looks like a good safe bet for the team that will do just that.

-Bill Placzek, draftsite.com

Mobile two-way defender who blitzed the junior competition after getting a bump to the SHL. He oozes skill and finesse, which the Habs should stockpile on their back end. We’ve been impressed with his quickness and first step, but what’s key is that he identified it as an area in need of improvement. Moverare is calm and collected in his own end, but don’t let it fool you — he can transition from defense to offense in a hurry.

-Steve Kournianos, thedraftanalyst.com

Statistics:

Strengths:

Skating mobility

Puckhandling skills

Maturity

Shot from the point

Three-zone-play

Can transition game with one pass

Under Construction (Improvements to Make):

Could use his big frame more effective in board battles

Could get involved more often in physical battles

NHL Potential:

Moverare has the potential to become a two-way defenceman who has offensive upside. His big frame, strong puckhandling skills and skating mobility could make him a valuable prospect.

NHL comparison: Victor Hedman

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk: 3/5 Reward: 3/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive = 7/10 Defensive = 6/10

Awards/Achievements

2014/2015: U17 WHC Bronze Medal

2015/2016: Ivan Hlinka Memorial Silver Medal

Interview/Profile Links:

Shots From the Slot (Interesting Notes):

Moverare is one of the youngest available prospects at this draft. He is a very late 98-born player, meaning if he was born three weeks later he wouldn’t be available. Comparing his age and maturity of the game, his value gets a boost and therefore I could imagine that he is a prospect that takes big development steps in the coming months. He could become a great pick up if he really slips into the third round.

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